Hindu youth, radicalised by Pakistani Handler, ordered to carry out grenade attacks on selected homes

Arrested by the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS)

Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) – The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad has arrested two suspects, Hizbullah Ali Khan (also known as Tushar Chauhan) and Sameer Khan. According to officials, the two were allegedly in contact with Pakistan’s intelligence agency, Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), as well as a Pakistani criminal, and were suspected of plotting attacks on sensitive locations in India.

Investigators state that they were connected to handlers in Pakistan through social media platforms and were attempting to establish a “sleeper cell” (locals, who will be converted to Islam and help in terror activities.) Tushar Chauhan is reported to have converted to Islam.

Key Details –

1. The two suspects allegedly established contact with Pakistani criminal Shehzad Bhatti and his associates through platforms such as Instagram, Telegram, and VOIP services. During questioning, Hizbullah is reported to have said that he was gradually influenced by online extremist content.

2. Bhatti is alleged to have approached him using fake social media accounts. Hizbullah was reportedly assigned the task of throwing grenades at selected houses and targeting individuals. He was allegedly promised ₹50,000 in advance and ₹2.5 lakh upon completion of the task. Investigators also claim he was assured access to weapons and travel to Pakistan via Dubai.

3. His associate, Sameer Khan was allegedly linked to Tehrik-e-Taliban Hindustan and tasked with writing the group’s name on walls and recruiting new individuals into the terror network. Authorities say both the suspects had already begun surveying potential targets.